CORRAL TO HIT TARGET
12.40 Ffos Las – URBANIST
(treble) had useful form in Ireland for Shane Nolan and has joined Richard Newland, who is a master at revitalising horses from other yards. The gelding looks fairly treated and his Irish form suggests he will take all the beating off today’s mark. A recent wind operation is likely to help his cause.
12.55 Plumpton – OK CORRAL
can gun down his rivals at Plumpton en route to a possible £60,000 Cheltenham Festival bonus by landing his first chase at the Sussex course today. The eight-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, is no stranger to the Festival, having finished second there last March in the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. If he can translate that hurdles form to fences then he has a big future in the novice chasing ranks. If, as expected he wins, he will have the chance of a crack at the big bonus in any of the novice chases at next year’s Festival.
5.15 Wolverhampton – POETA BRASILEIRO (nb)
is lightly raced and won on his third start for trainer Jose Santos on Kempton’s all-weather track last time. He looks a progressive type although he’ll need to improve on that run to win today’s handicap. Regular rider Raul Da Silva will once again be in the saddle and Poeta Brasileiro is sure to give it a good shot. A Sure Welcome, was second at Kempton on his penultimate start and should be thereabouts despite a 2lb rise.
6.45 Wolverhampton KHEROS (nap)
– made a promising debut when getting home by a nose at Kempton in October. He drifted badly in the market – starting at 10-1 – but showed a willing attitude to score by the minimum margin from previous winners Universal Order and Ticklish. Kheros should progress again to hold off the consistent Lady Lizzy.